What alternative should I choose to replace my stolen RAV4 XSE Hybrid?
My 2021 RAV4 XSE Hybrid was stolen and I'm looking for a new, very economical hybrid SUV. My wife drives 100 km a day, and our RAV4 suited us just fine. However, RAV4s are among the most stolen vehicles and we don't want to run the risk of having a second one stolen...
We reluctantly decided to switch brands. We looked at the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL 2024 and the Hyundai Tucson Hybride Luxury 2024. Which would you suggest? The Outlander only covers 63 km in electric mode. And for the Tucson, I've been told that the turbocharged engine is not to be recommended... I don't know what to think.
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Hi Steve,
I understand, of course, that the RAV4 was ideal for you, and that you're also eliminating the CR-V hybrid from the equation for the same reasons. An understandable factor, since the significant increase in thefts of these two models has a severe impact on your insurance premium. Fortunately, there are several valid alternatives, like the ones you've just mentioned.
First, you need to ask yourself whether you're inclined to choose a plug-in hybrid, with all that that implies in terms of home electrical installation. Considering your daily mileage, I think this could be a great solution. And at the moment, only Hyundai, Kia, Mitsubishi and Toyota offer such packages. Eliminating the RAV4 Prime, the most attractive option for me remains the Outlander PHEV, which benefits from a higher government credit ($10,000 tax included) and a better electric range than the Korean brands. However, once the electric range is exhausted, the Outlander's fuel consumption is about 15% higher.
In summer, you'll be able to cover 70 kilometers effortlessly in all-electric mode, and then consume 9 liters per 100 km over a distance of 30 kilometers. The end result is about 3 liters per 100 km. A rating impossible to achieve with an ordinary hybrid model from the competition, but which the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage can almost match (around 4 liters per 100 km considering a range of around 50 km).
Comfortable, reliable and much appreciated by customers, the Outlander PHEV also has the advantage of being delivered fairly quickly, whereas Hyundai and Kia are not. You could also opt for regular hybrid models, but then you'd lose the advantage of government credits that are still applicable, which explains why the Outlander's cost is directly comparable with its much higher retail price.
Nevertheless, the Tucson remains convincing. With an impeccable finish and a very modern look. The same is true of Kia, which is enjoying great success with the Sportage. That said, it's true that the reliability record isn't unblemished, with several problems reported with both the 1.6-liter engine and the transmission. Is this a deterrent to its purchase? Not really, since problems generally occur early and the manufacturer is well aware of them. So you replace it under warranty, no questions asked. As an alternative, I'd like to recommend the Ford Escape. A hybrid as frugal as the RAV4, with a reliable, tried-and-tested powertrain and very honest handling.
Finally, if you opt for the Outlander, it's also possible to obtain a subsidy for the purchase and installation of a home charging station. And these days, there's no need to pay big bucks for a high-performance charging station. You'll find portable bollards at very low prices on sites like Amazon.
